All children under age 2 years and older children who have certain conditions should get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. There is also a catch-up schedule for children younger than age 5 years who have not completed their initial vaccination series.

Pneumococcal disease can range from mild to very serious. About 1,500 cases of serious disease (blood infection, pneumonia with blood infection, and meningitis) occur each year in US children under age 5 years. These cases can cause death or lifelong disability, including deafness, brain damage, and limb amputation.

Although the incidence of pneumococcal disease among teens (adolescents) is the lowest of any age group, about 6.8 million children and adolescents age 2 to 18 years have chronic health conditions or conditions that weaken the immune system―such as cancer, sickle cell disease, diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders―that place them at high risk for pneumococcal disease and related complications.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against pneumococcal disease.

There are currently 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines recommended for children in the US: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15, PCV20) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Both types of vaccines are safe and most side effects are mild and may include arm swelling or soreness that lasts 1-2 days.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

  • All children under age 5 years with no previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) or incomplete PCV status should receive PCV15 or PCV20
  • Parents of children age 6-18 years with any of the following health conditions should speak with a healthcare professional to determine if their child needs any additional pneumococcal vaccines:
    • Lung, heart, liver, or kidney disease
    • Asthma
    • Diabetes
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, damaged/absent spleen, or HIV/AIDS
    • Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks

Talk with a healthcare professional about pneumococcal vaccination

For additional information, see the immunization schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

Updated November 2025

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention